HOLBROOK, NEB. (September 6, 2007) – A new year-round GROW Nebraska store at the Hilltop Mall in Kearney is attracting more than just shoppers wanting to buy quality "made or designed in Nebraska" merchandise. It is drawing in GROW entrepreneurs/members who want to gain actual hands-on experience in operating a retail business. By working directly with consumers, the members are learning firsthand about what sells and why. Store managers and GROW Nebraska members Cheryl Hughes of HR Poppin’ Snacks and Sheryll Hickman of Sheryll Hickman Art oversee the trainees.

"Our members are getting to see what does and doesn't sell, and evaluate what needs to be changed, whether it's packaging, price, or product," said Heidi High, GROW Nebraska development coordinator. While working in the store, GROW members network with other entrepreneurs, and learn how to create seasonal and holiday gift baskets that appeal to specialty markets. Several members are even working together to produce combination gift baskets.  All products sold in the GROW Nebraska year-round store will soon be available online at www.buygrownebraska.com

Janell Anderson Ehrke, GROW Nebraska CEO, believes that the store and e-commerce site are greatly helping expand GROW Nebraska members' product appeal and markets.  “We are very excited to offer this service to our members as this is exactly what our funders and supporters want GROW Nebraska to do–support local economies by growing businesses.  

"These growth platforms mean additional jobs, or in a few cases, company survival," Ehrke said. "Also, what better way to stimulate the state's overall economy than to provide Nebraskans with the opportunity to buy Nebraska products."

The year-round store’s soft opening was August 8. A grand opening will be celebrated October 26-28 during which storewide discounts will be available and prize drawings will be held.  The Kearney store will be joined by holiday stores located in Oak View Mall in Omaha and Westfield Gateway in Lincoln, both opening November 1. 

A program of Central Plains Foundation Inc., GROW Nebraska helps maximize the state’s entrepreneurial spirit and build the global reputation of Nebraska businesses by providing sustainable business environments through business-building marketing and education. To learn more about GROW Nebraska, or Nebraska entrepreneurs and businesses, visit the GROW Web site at: www.grownebraska.com.